New gasoline pipeline order: PNG necessary for notified customers, LPG provide could cease after 3 months

Amid a deepening LPG provide scarcity triggered by the continuing battle in West Asia, the Centre on Tuesday notified the Pure Fuel and Petroleum Merchandise Distribution (By Laying, Constructing, Operation and Enlargement of Pipelines and Different Services) Order, 2026, aimed toward accelerating pipeline infrastructure growth throughout the nation and guaranteeing uninterrupted gas provide to households and industries.

The order has been issued below the provisions of the Important Commodities Act, 1955, giving the federal government wider powers to make sure the provision and easy distribution of vital vitality sources. Beneath the brand new framework, entities authorised by the Petroleum and Pure Fuel Regulatory Board (PNGRB) or the central authorities might be permitted to put, function, preserve and broaden pipelines throughout public, non-public and residential areas below a uniform regulatory construction.

Push for PNG connections

The order goals to speed up pipeline and metropolis gasoline distribution (CGD) community enlargement, enhance last-mile connectivity of piped pure gasoline (PNG) and guarantee operational readability for each operators and customers. Housing societies, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and different entities controlling entry to residential premises should present proper of means inside three working days of receiving an software from an authorised entity.

If entry is denied or delayed, LPG provide to the involved households could also be discontinued after three months. Equally, if a family fails to use for a PNG connection regardless of being notified, LPG provide to that deal with might be stopped after three months, except piped gasoline is technically not possible.

Clear framework, time-bound approvals

The reform introduces a clear and predictable regulatory framework for laying, working and increasing pipeline infrastructure, with standardized procedures and outlined timelines to scale back ambiguity. All public authorities—together with central and state authorities departments, city native our bodies and municipal companies—should grant permissions inside mounted timelines, failing which approvals might be handled as deemed clearances.

The timelines vary from 10 days for smaller metropolis gasoline distribution (CGD) networks to as much as 60 working days for big transmission pipelines. The order creates a single, harmonised approval framework throughout jurisdictions, eradicating fragmentation in permissions and decreasing administrative delays. It additionally bars public authorities from imposing arbitrary taxes, levies or fees, and introduces standardised charges for proper of means, highway restoration and land use, with choices for “dig and pay” or “dig and restore”.

Ease of doing enterprise, fewer disputes

The coverage is predicted to offer a significant increase to ease of doing enterprise within the oil and gasoline sector by simplifying compliance necessities and clearly defining compensation guidelines. In personal areas, pipeline builders should first search settlement with landowners, but when no settlement is reached and no various route is out there, the designated district authority can grant proper of means after listening to objections.

Compensation might be decided utilizing a set components linked to the circle price of land, decreasing disputes and bringing uniformity in funds. The order additionally locations accountability on authorised entities. If a developer fails to start work inside 4 months of receiving approval, penalties could also be imposed and exclusivity in that space might be withdrawn.

Client safeguards, vitality safety focus

The order additionally contains consumer-centric provisions to make sure time-bound connections and a easy transition from LPG to PNG, whereas additionally offering safeguards, dispute-resolution mechanisms and clear entry guidelines to guard public curiosity and help vitality safety.

The PNGRB has been designated because the nodal company to watch implementation, monitor approvals and rejections, and guarantee compliance by authorised entities. The federal government stated the reform is aimed toward strengthening India’s gasoline distribution community, enhancing vitality safety, and guaranteeing dependable gas provide amid the continuing provide disruptions.